Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
National Security Adviser and High Representative for the Rohingya issue Dr Khalilur Rahman has requested Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch to consider further reduction in tariffs as the trade gap becomes narrower between the two countries.
Dr Rahman made the request at a meeting with Lynch in Washington DC on Friday, according to a message received here today.
During the meeting, they also discussed follow-up actions regarding the recently concluded tariff negotiations while Dr Rahman reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to reduce the trade gap with the US.
Lynch assured full consideration of the matter as the tariff agreement gets implemented and trade gaps get reduced. Dr Rahman also met some other senior US officials, including US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, on the same day in Washington DC. Bangladesh's new Ambassador to the US Tareq M Ariful Islam was present at those meetings.
During the meeting, Hooker reiterated strong US support for the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and the steps taken by the interim government in regard to the upcoming elections in February next year.
Apart from this, they also discussed regional political and security issues during the meeting.
Hooker expressed support to Bangladesh's efforts to resolve the Rohingya issue while Dr Rahman conveyed sincere thanks to the US for announcing $60 million in aid to the Rohingyas at the UN International Conference on the Rohingyas.
Besides, Dr Rahman discussed a broad range of bilateral matters during his meeting with Nicole Chulick, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, and Andrew Herrup, Deputy Assistant Secretary.
